Occupancy and Use Order for Camping on IPNF

Associated Documents

Forest Order

Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
 

PROHIBITIONS
 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, described below and shown on the attached map incorp rated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”):
 

YEARLONG IN DEVELOPED RECREATION SITES
 

1. Camping in any one area (campground) or campsite is limited to a total of 14 days during any 30-day period [36 CFR 261.58(a)]
 

2. It is prohibited to possess, park, or leave more than two vehicles, except motorcycles, ATVs, or bicycles on a parking pad assigned to a single-family campsite [36 CFR 261.58(i)].
 

3. It is prohibited to use a single-family campsite with a party size greater than eight (8) people [36 CFR 261.58(f)] except for the island campsites at Priest Lake (Bartoo, Kalispell, and Four Mile Islands) which are limited to ten (l0) people per single-family campsite [36 CFR 261.58(f)].
 

THE SATURDAY PRIOR TO MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY IN ALL OTHER AREAS
 

Camping or leaving camping equipment in any one area or campsite is limited to a total of 14 days during any 30-day period. Camping is prohibited for the remaining 16 days on lands administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests [36 CFR 261.58(a)].
 

LABOR DAY THROUGH THE SATURDAY PRIOR TO MEMORIAL DAY IN ALL OTHER AREAS

Camping or leaving camping equipment in any one area or campsite is limited to a total of 14 days during any 30-day period. Camps must be relocated at least 5 miles away (road miles) from the original site to qualify for a new 14-day period [36 CFR 261.58(a)].
 

SITE SAVING-GENERAL REGULATION
 

Placing a vehicle or other object (including camping equipment), in such a manner that it is an impediment or hazard to the safety or convenience of any person. [36 CFR 261.I0(f)].
 

FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ORDER:
 

CAMPING means the temporary use of National Forest System lands for the purpose of overnight occupancy without a permanently fixed structure. [36 CFR 261 .2 Definitions)
 

CAMPING EQUIPTMENT means personal property used in or suitable for camping, and includes any vehicle used for transportation and all equipment in possession of a person camping. Food and beverages are not considered camping equipment. [36 CFR 261.2 Definitions]
 

DEVELOPED RECREATION SITE means an area which has been improved or for recreation. [36 CFR 261.2 Definitions]
 

EXEMPTIONS
 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
 

1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
 

2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2)].
 

DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILS
 

All National Forest System (NFS) lands within the St. Joe, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, and Priest Lake Ranger Districts of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, as depicted on the attached map, Exhibit A.
 

PURPOSE
 

These restrictions are necessary for protection of natural resources. These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR 261, Subpart A and become effective immediately and will remain in effect until September 30, 2030.

IMPLEMENTATION
 

1. This Order shall be in effect from May 20, 2025 at 0000 through September 30, 2030 at 2400, unless rescinded.
 

2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices.
 

3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
 

4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
 

5. Further information regarding this order may be obtained at the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Supervisors’ Office, located at 3232 West Nursery Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 (208) 765-7223.
 

6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.
 

Signed and issued on May 19, 2025.

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